We are exposed to different levels of sunlight every day. Among them, ultraviolet (UV) rays are the most harmful to our skin and eyes. To increase awareness against UV exposure, The Vision Council has released their 2016 UV Protection Report.
UV Protection Awareness among Age Groups
According to the study, patients at any age can experience issues due to UV exposure. Children, for example, receive three times the amount of annual sun exposure compared with adults. Of the parents surveyed, only 29% of them make their children wear shades.
Millennials, on the other hand, are more concerned about fashion instead of UV protection. More often than not, they will look for stylish sunglasses without considering the level of UV protection. Of the 20-year-olds surveyed, more than half of them do not even consider wearing sunglasses; a fact many an optometrist in Fairfax, VA, seeks to correct.
The study also found out that 30-year-olds are more responsible when it comes to wearing UV protection. Patients in their 40s keep their sunglasses at hand, while 24% of 50-year-olds admit to forgetting to wear sunglasses altogether.
UV Exposure Risks and Prevention
Your eye doctor in Fairfax, VA, from Vienna Eyecare Center recommends regular eye examination and proper eyewear to reduce the risks of UV exposure. These include:
- Cataracts – The World Health Organization reported that UV exposure causes 20% of all cataract cases. This eye issue is also one of the most common causes of vision loss for patients older than 40 years.
- Age-related macular degeneration – Your chance of experiencing this eye problem increases if you are overexposed to UV at an early age. This is because UV rays can initiate the driving agents that lead to age-related macular degeneration.
- Photokeratitis – Also called the sunburn of the cornea, photokeratitis is painful but not permanent.
We can help you avoid these eye problems with proper eye care in Fairfax, VA. We conduct thorough exams to assess what type of vision correction you need. Our sunglasses come with 100% UV protection, polarized lenses, and anti-reflective lenses.
Protect your eyes today and schedule an appointment with us. You can reach us at (703) 938-7633 or through our contact form.
